Albanian Customs Administration and North Macedonia Customs Strengthen Cooperation through a New Protocol on Joint Border Controls

The Albanian Customs Administration and the Customs Administration of North Macedonia are strengthening their bilateral cooperation through the development of a new Protocol for the implementation of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Joint Border Controls. The Protocol aims to enhance the efficiency of customs controls, facilitate trade, and improve border management in line with European Union standards and regional integration objectives.

Delegations from both customs administrations, led by the Director General of the Albanian Customs Administration, Mr. Besmir Beja, and the Director of the Customs Administration of North Macedonia, Mr. Boban Nikolovski, together with representatives of the OSCE Missions in both countries, visited the Qafë Thanë–Qafasan Joint Border Crossing Point. During the visit, they discussed the practical implementation of the Agreement and the finalization of the Protocol.

Director General Besmir Beja emphasized that the cooperation between the two customs administrations is a tangible example of a partnership that delivers direct benefits to both citizens and businesses.

"The cooperation between our customs administrations demonstrates that meaningful results are achieved when there is a shared commitment to work together. Through this Protocol, we will harmonize customs procedures, improve the coordination of resources, and strengthen customs controls while facilitating legitimate trade and the movement of travellers," Mr. Beja stated.

For his part, the Director of the Customs Administration of North Macedonia, Mr. Boban Nikolovski, praised the high level of cooperation between the two institutions, stressing that the Protocol will contribute to reducing waiting times at the border, accelerating trade flows, and increasing the confidence of the business community.

Representatives of the OSCE welcomed the initiative as an important step towards strengthening cross-border cooperation and regional security. They highlighted that the Protocol represents the culmination of many years of successful cooperation in the field of Integrated Border Management, extending existing cooperation models to customs operations.

The new Protocol reflects the shared commitment of the Albanian Customs Administration and the Customs Administration of North Macedonia to modernize border procedures, enhance operational efficiency, strengthen security, and facilitate trade, thereby contributing to the region's economic development and European integration.